By DAN KARELL
The Portland Timbers found success last season when signing Diego Valeri from Argentina and they’re hoping to replicate that success in 2014 again.
According to a report in Diario Ole in Argentina, veteran Tigre defender Norberto Paparatto is on his way to Portland after a deal was agreed between the two clubs. Paparatto will undergo a medical examination before signing a contract with the Timbers.
The 30-year-old centerback, who recently served as Tigre captain, brings with him six years of service and 126 league appearances to the Timbers, with one goal scored during his time at Tigre. The Buenos Aires-based club finished runners-up to the Argentine league title on three occasions during Paparatto’s tenure and they also finished runners-up in the 2012 Copa Sudamericana.
Paparatto joins the defending regular season MLS Western Conference champions, and will take part in the CONCACAF Champions League next season. Reportedly set to join the Timbers this month from Argentina as well is Gaston “La Gata” Fernandez.
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